Stimulation of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia populations by recombinant interleukin-4 and other defined growth-promoting agents.

Monoclonal populations from 10 cases of phenotypically well-characterized B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and from a single case of hairy cell leukemia were assessed for their ability to respond by mitogenic stimulation to a number of agents described as growth-promoting for normal B cells. These included the recombinant factors interleukin-1 (IL1), IL2, IL4, IL5, and gamma-interferon, partially purified B cell growth factor (BCGF), B cell stimulatory factor 2 (BSF2), and a CDw40 antibody to the Bp50 antigen. With only few exceptions, no factor or combination of factors stimulated B-CLL populations directly to DNA synthesis. By marked contrast, the hairy cells were responsive to IL4, BCGF, and the CDw40 antibody. B-CLL cells could become responsive with the inclusion of the phorbol ester TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) as co-stimulant such that half of the populations were now activated by IL4, particularly when BCGF was also present. Populations refractory to IL4 were, nonetheless, still responsive to BCGF. In only three cases was a significant effect seen with IL2. gamma-interferon could be either inhibitory or stimulatory and, in a few cases, modulated specifically the effects of IL4. In contrast to normal B cell activations, neither the CDw40 antibody nor a calcium ionophore synergized with TPA for stimulating the majority of B-CLL populations. BSF2 was stimulatory in the two cases examined while both IL1 and IL5 were ineffective where studied. No simple correlation was observed between the patterns of responsiveness and the expression of a panel of CD markers assayed on cells both freshly isolated and after TPA stimulation. The data demonstrate a functional heterogeneity not disclosed by simple phenotypic analysis and also indicate the range of activities which can impinge on the growth regulation of monoclonal B cell populations.